Fastener



March 25, 1941. E. L. ZWICKEL FA'STENER Filed April 4, 1933 i 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Im/eW E/merZ-ZV,/M6/.

March 25, 1941 E. L. ZWICKIEL 2,235,126,

FASTENER Filed April 4, 1933 4 Sheets-Sheet I5 new Marchzs, 1941. ELZWICKEL I 2,236,126

FASTENER I Filed April 4, 1933 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 ImfeficTr' Ewe/Z, imihl UNITED STATES rATENT OFFlCE FASTENER Elmer L. Zwickel, Chicago, 111., assignor to Acco Products, Inc., Long Island City, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April 4, 1933, Serial No.664,355

15 Claims.

The invention relates to improvements in fastening devices and particularly to an improved fastener for binding papers together, of the type including a base having spaced prongs on its ends adapted to extend through apertures in the papers and through spaced openings in a compressor having improved means to retain the said prongs bent over said compressor.

An object of the invention is to provide a fastener of the character described comprising separable parts having improved means for securing said parts together.

Another object is to provide a loose-leaf fastening device including a base having spaced prongs adapted to extend through apertures in a the sheets of paper to be bound and a compressor having improved yieldable means to urge and hold the portions of the prongs extending through openings therein over and against said com- Another object is to provide a fastener of the character referred to with a compressor having improved means adjacent each end to hold prongs, extending through openings therein, bent over and against the compressor.

Another object is to provide a fastener of the character referred to with improved means for semi-automatically bending portions of prongs extending through the compressor over and against the compressor.

Another object is to provide a fastener of the character referred to with improved means for holding prongs locked against the compressor, which may readily be released to facilitate disengagement of the parts.

The foregoing and such other objects of the invention as will appear hereinafter as the description proceeds, will be more readily understood from a perusal of the followingspecifica tion, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig, 1 is an enlarged perspective view of one form of the improved fastener.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the improved device, showing a part of the compressor and one of the locks in section.

Fig, 3 is a transverse sectional view, taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the lock and prong raised.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of a compressor having a modified form of locking means Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective View of the compressor shown in Fig. 5.

Fig 8 is a View similar to Fig. 5, showing a modified form of lock. 5 Fig. 9 is a plan View of a fastener, showing yieldable means for locking the prongs bent against the compressor.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the fastener shown in Fig. 9, illustrating 10 the initial-position of a prong after having been inserted through the opening in the compressor.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view similar to Fig. 10, showing the prong bent over and held against the compressor.

Fig, 12 is a sectional view, taken on line l2l2 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the compressor, illustrating another form of lock.

Figs. 14 and 15 are fragmentary plan views of other modified forms of compressors and locks.

Fig. 16 is a transverse sectional view, taken on line lG-lli of Fig, 15.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional View of a compressor and lock.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary plan view of another form of compressor and lock.

Figs. 19, 20 and 21 each illustrate a further modification of the compressor and lock.

Fig. 22 is a transverse sectional view, taken on line 2222 of Fig. 21. i

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of another form of fastener.

Fig. 24'is a fragmentary plan view of a fastener, showing another look.

Figs. 25 and 26 are fragmentary plan views of a fastener, having modified forms of locking means, thereon.

Fig. 2'? is a. fragmentary longitudinal sectional view, taken on line 21-21 of Fig. 26.

Figs. 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32 are fragmentary plan views of different fasteners, each having a modified form of locking device thereon,

The improved fastener preferably includes a base ll having prongs l2, one at each end, bent at right angles thereto and arranged to extend through spaced apertures in the papers I3 to be bound. A compressor I4 is adapted to be placed over the papers l3 with the projecting ends of the prongs l2 extending through suitable spaced lateral openings 15 provided one adjacent each end of said compressor. The extended ends of the prongs l2 are bent over preferably inwardly against the compressor and are adapted to be held in'this position by suitable locks 16 arranged 5 one at each end of the compressor adjacent each opening I5.

In the fastener illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, the locks I5, preferably formed of sheet metal, have an intermediate portion [1 and parallel leg portions I8. Each leg portion I8 has an outwardly directed lug or bearing I9 to engage in an opening 2| in reinforcing beads 22 provided one on each longitudinal edge of the compressor I4. The beads 22 preferably are formed by rolling the edges of the compressor. The beads 22 also have a plurality of spaced inwardly directed lips 23 above the top plane of the compressor for co-operation with the intermediate portion ll of the looks after the latter have been swung downwardly over the top of the bent down prongs I2, to retain said locks in position.

The intermediate portion ll of each lock may be formed with a finger-engaging portion 24 to facilitate disengagement of the look from lips 23 whereby said prongs and the locks may be moved into a substantially vertical position to allow removal of the compressor I4 from over said prongs. When the locks I6 are substantially vertical, a projection 25 provided on the end of each leg portion I8 frictionally engages in a detent 26 in the compressor, thus holding the locks in position to receive the prongs I2 through the spaced openings I upon placing the compressor over the paper.

The prongs I2 also may be bent outwardly of the apertures, and said prongs are held bent down against the compressor by co-operation of the intermediate portion H of the locks IS with the lips 23 in the beads 22 outwardly of said apertures I5.

Figs. 5 to '7, inclusive, show a modified form 'of lock Ilia, said lock being substantially T- Shaped with an enlarged bearing portion 21 formed to receive inwardly turned aligned bearings 28 formed in the reinforcing beads 22a. The lock I5a has a lug 29 thereon'for engagement with an aperture or detent 3I in the compressor for retaining the lock substantially vertical, as illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 6-.

When the lock Ilia is turned downwardly over prongs I2, said lock engages yieldingly detents 32 provided in bead 22a, whereby the prong is 4 securely held bent down against the compressor The lock Ifib illustrated in Fig. 8 is substantially like the lock shown in Fig. 1. However, in this instance, an inwardly directed lug 33 is provided on the end of each leg portion I8b for insertion into a bearing 34 formed by rolling the material cut from the compressor I4b to provide the lateral opening l5b.

The compressor I4c illustrated in Figs. 9 to 12, inclusive, has reinforcing beads 22c and spaced lateral openings I5c for receiving the prongs I2.

Extending upwardly outwardly of and adjacent each opening I50, between the beads 220, is a flange or lip 35 cut away, as at 36, to provide bearing pintles 31 to receive the coiled ends 38 of locks I60 formed of spring steel wire and adapted normally to lie tightly against the compressor. While passing the prongs I2 through the openings I 50, the locks I60 are urged upwardly, as in Fig. 10, against the action of the coiled ends 38. The resistance of the spring locks tends to turn the projecting ends of the prongs inwardly. When the compressor is in its proper position over the prongs, pressure is applied momentarily to the locks I6c to force the prongs flat against the compressor I401.

Movement of the prongs upwardly away from the compressor is prevented by the yieldable locks I60, thus the compressor is held tightly against the papers bound thereby,

The compressors I4d shown in Figs. 13 and 14 each are provided with locks I6d substantially like locks I6, illustrated in Fig. 1. However, these locks are mounted outwardly of the openings I5d to allow inwardly folding only of the prongs I2.

The locks ISe illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16 are, in form, substantially like locks IBd. Each is made of a length of wire having its ends 39 journaled in the reinforcing beads 22 on the compressor. he outwardly turned curved ends M of the locks co-operate with detents 42 in the beads 22 to retain the intermediate lock portion 43 tightly over and against the underlying prong -I2.

The look I 6f in Fig. 17, has a squared bearing portion 44 journaled in the split bearing opening 45 provided in the bead 22 f. The split bearing 45 holds the loc k yieldingly in either raised or lowered position.

A spring clamp 46, shown in Fig. 18, retains the prong I2 against the compressor. This spring clamp preferably is secured intermediate its ends in the folded over longitudinal edges 22g of the compressor.

The compressors illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20, have their longitudinal edges reinforced by upwardly directed flanges 41. The compressor I4h shown in Fig. 19, has inwardly directed lips 48 on its upturned flanges 41 for co-operatin with the locks I6h which, are journaled on the longitudinal axis of the openings I5h, whereby the prongs I2 may be folded inwardly or outwardly of the apertures and securely locked against the compressor in either position.

The lock I611 on the keeper I42, illustrated in Fig. 20, is adapted to co-operate with lips 49 extending upwardly from the compressor inwardly and outwardly of the opening I52 on either side of prong I2.

The compressor I4 shown in Figs. 21 and 22 has an opening I5 to receive prong I2 which is adapted to be bent down against the compressor and securely held by a lock I69. The lock is pivoted to one side of the opening I57 and has oppositely directed lips 5| to frictionally engage the prong I2, irrespective of whether said prong is bent inwardly or outwardly of the opening I57 against the compressor.

The compressor I4k (Fig. 23) has its longitudinal edges folded inwardly over the top surface thereof to provide flat reinforcing beads 22k. The beads 22k are raised midway between the spaced openings I5Ic to receive the oppositely disposed bearing portions 52 provided on one end of each lock 53. The other end of each lock has a cross-head 54 adapted to co-operate with spring lips 55 in beads 22k when said locks are folded down over prongs l2. Retention of the locks 53 either against the compressor or in vertical or substantially vertical position is obtained by the yielding co-operative engagement of the squared bearing portions 52 with the substantially square raised bearings 56 of the beads 22k.

The locks 51, shown in Fig. 24, preferably are made of spring steel and adapted to be held manually in a raised position prior tothe bending of the prongs therebeneath. Each prong is slotted longitudinally to receive a detent "58 on the end of each lock 51, whereby the locks and the same.

ed to receive the rolled end 63 I prong l2 tightly against the prongs are friction-ally and yieldably held together to prevent displacement of the compressor.

The wire lock Nil shown in Fig. is formed at 59 to engage frictionally the detents 61 formed in the side walls of the beads 22!.

Figs. 26 and 27 show the compressor Mm provided on each end with a rolled bearing 62 adaptof the lock 64 whereby said lock may be moved against the prong I! when the latter is bent against the compressor, or held in substantially vertical position, as illustrated in Fig. 2'? in dotted lines.

In Fig. 28 the compressor Mn has a slotted lip 65 oneach end .providing a bearing for the rolled end 66 of the lock [=6n. 7

Figs. 29, 30, 31 and 32 show other modifications of locks and modified means of mounting As shown these figures, a lock [60, I6 1, I61 or is, respectively, is mounted along one longitudinal edge of the compressor adjacent each opening It, and is arranged to co-operate with means on the other edge for holding the the compressor whether said prong is bent inwardly or outwardly of the opening.

It can readily be understood that the improved binding device illustrated in its various forms provides a very practical, efficient device capable of ready manipulation, and one which will not injure the finger-nails of the user nor render the use of such devices objectionable.

Although exemplary embodiments of the improved fastener have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the foregoing specification, it is to be understood that the various details of each fastener shown may be incorporated in other similar structures without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A fastener comprising, in combination, a compressor formed with an opening adjacent each end, :a base having spaced prongs adapted to extend one through each of said openings, a lip on each end of said compressor adjacent each opening, and yieldable means carried by said lips adapted to urge the portions of the prongs extending through said openings over against the compressor.

2. A fastener comprising, in combination, an elongated compressor having reinforcing means on its longitudinal edges and transverse slots one adjacent each end, a base having spaced prongs one on each end adapted to be passed through said slots and bent over against the compressor between said reinforcing means, lips on said compressor extending upwardly one adjacent each slot, said lips being outwardly of said slots and having portions cut away to provide oppositely directed bearing lugs, and spring means mounted on said lugs adapted .to overlie said slots and said bent over prongs to hold said prongs tight- -ly against the compressor.

3. A fastener comprising, in combination, a compressor having a transverse slot adjacent each end, a base having spaced prongs adapted to be passed. through said slots and be bent over the top of said compressor, retaining members hingedly mounted on said compressor one adjacent each end adapted to overlie the bent over portion of each of said prongs, and e c-operating means on said retaining members and on said compressor for locking said members in place over the prongs.

4. A fastener comprising, in combination, a compressor having a transverse slot adjacent each end, a base having spaced prongs adapted to be passed through said slots and bent over and against the top of said compressor, means adjacent each end of said compressor for retaining said prongs in place over the compressor, and means for holding said means raised out of engagement with said prongs.

5. A fastener comprising, in combination, a compressor formed with reinforcing means ex-' tending over its entire length and having a transverse slot adjacent each end, a base having spaced prongs adapted to be passed through said slots and bent over th top of said compressor, and hinged means adjacent each end of said compressor for retaining the prongs in position on the compressor.

6. A fastener comprising, in combination, an elongated compressor formed with reinforcing means on each of its longitudinal edges, the compressor having slots therein one adjacent each end, a base having spaced prongs adapted to be passed through slots and bent over and against the top of said compressor between said reinforcing means, and means hingedly mounted adjacent each end of said compressor adapted to co-operate with lugs on said reinforcing means for retaining the prongs in position.

7. In a paper fastener, the combination with a compressor having a transverse slot adjacent each end, a base having spaced prongs adapted to be passed through papers and said transverse slots and bent flat on the compressor, substantially U-shaped retaining members pivotally mounted on said compressor one adjacent each end, each of said retaining members being adapted to overlie the adjacent prongs for retaining it in place, and means on the compressor for engaging said retaining members to lock them in place over said prongs. v

8. In a paper fastener, the combination with a compressor having a transverse slot adjacent each end, a base having spaced prongs adapted to be passed through papers and said transverse slots and bent over the compressor, a yieldable substantially U-shaped retaining member pivotally mounted adjacent each end of said compressor adapted to overlie the adjacent prongs, means on the compressor adapted to engage said retaining members for locking said U-shaped members in place over the prongs, and means formed in said members to facilitate ready disengagement from said locking means.

9. In a paper fastener, the combination with a compressor having a. transverse slot adjacent each end, a. base having spaced prongs adapted to be passed through papers and said transverse slots and bent over the compressor, a yieldable retaining member pivotally mounted on said compressor adapted to overlie the adjacent prongs, means on the compressor adapted to en.- gage said retaining members for locking said members in place over the prongs, means formed in said members to facilitate ready disengagement from said locking means, and means on the retaining members adapted to engage said compressor to hold said retaining members out of locked position.

10. A fastener comprising, in combination, a compressor having an opening adjacent each end, a base having spaced prongs adapted to extend through said openings and be bent inwardly to wards each other over the top of the compressor, means adjacent each end of said compressor movable into position to hold said prongs against said compressor, and means on said compressor inwardly of said openings adapted to have engagement with said prong holding means to retain them in place.

11. A fastener comprising, in combination, a compressor having an opening inwardly of each end, a base having prongs adapted to extend through said openings and be bent outwardly away from each other over the top of the compressor, means on'the compressor adjacent each opening movable into position to hold said prongs against the compressor, and means on said compressor outwardly of the openings adapted to have engagement with said prong holding means to retain them in place.

12. A fastener comprising, in. combination, a

compressor having an opening adjacent each end, a base having prongs adapted to extend through said openings and be bent over against the top of said compressor, means on the compressor adjacent each opening movable into a position to overlie the respective prong, and means on said compressor on each side of each of said openings adapted to have engagement with said prong overlying means to retain them in position.

13. A fastener, in combination, an elongated compressor, a base having prongs adapted to be bent over the top of said compressor, means adjacent each end of said compressor for retaining said prongs in place over said compressor, and means for holding said means raised out of engagement with said prongs.

14. In -a paper fastener, the combination with a compressor, abase having prongs adapted to be bent over said compressor, yieldable retaining members pivotally mounted on said compressor adapted to overlie the adjacent prongs, looking means to retain said retaining members in place over said prongs, and means on said retaining members to facilitate ready disengagement from said locking means.

15. In a paper fastener, the combination with a compressor, a base having prongs adapted to be bent over said compressor, yieldable retaining members pivotally mounted on said compressor adapted to overlie the adjacent prongs, locking means to retain said retaining members in place over said prongs, means on said retaining members to facilitate ready disengagement from said locking means, and means on the retaining members adapted to engage said compressor to hold said retaining members out of locked position.

ELMER L. ZWICKEL. 

